In this major new history of the Continental Army's Grand Forage of
1778, award-winning military historian Ricardo A. Herrera uncovers what
daily life was like for soldiers during the darkest and coldest days of
the American Revolution: the Valley Forge winter. Here, the army
launched its largest and riskiest operation--not a bloody battle against
British forces but a campaign to feed itself and prevent starvation or
dispersal during the long encampment. Herrera brings to light the army's
herculean efforts to feed itself, support local and Continental
governments, and challenge the British Army.
Highlighting the missteps and triumphs of both General George Washington
and his officers as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and militiamen,
Feeding Washington's Army moves far beyond oft-told, heroic, and
mythical tales of Valley Forge and digs deeply into its daily reality,
revealing how close the Continental Army came to succumbing to
starvation and how strong and resourceful its soldiers and leaders
actually were.